Economy never looked so rich as it does in the redesigned 2018 Hyundai Accent, now in its fifth generation.

This likable subcompact sedan builds on what was likable about the previous generation — but it feels as if all the engineering integrity of the most expensive Hyundai has been applied to its least expensive.

The redesign was a complete re-engineering using a stiffer chassis with more advanced high-strength steel — 54.5 percent vs. 41 percent. And stiffer means tighter handling and a stronger base for crash resistance.

The new styling with the new “cascading” grille takes on the good looks of the midsize Sonata sedan. The new Accent is a little larger, which diminishes any perception of “subcompact.” The five-seat Accent is 1.2 inches wider and a half-inch longer on a slightly longer wheelbase, now at 101.6 inches.

The 130-horsepower, 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine was updated for more low-end pulling power and a 7 percent boost in fuel economy.

Sold in SE, SEL and Limited trim levels, starting prices range from $15,880-$19,780, including the $885 freight charge from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Today’s tester is the base SE with six-speed manual transmission; add $1,000 for a six-speed automatic, which has Normal and Sport modes that adjust performance and steering force.

You can adopt the Accent as a daily hypercommuting car and run the wheels off it — or until the basic warranty runs out after five years or 60,000 miles — but Hyundai still covers the powertrain for 10-years or 100,000-miles.

The base SE will make a great grocery-getter or it can be the business or fleet car for deliveries, etc. Standard equipment includes remote entry, rearview camera with guidance lines, four-speaker audio system, 5-inch color touch screen, cruise control, air conditioning, sliding visors with vanity mirrors, a six-way manually adjusted driver’s seat, 60/40 folding back seat and 15-inch wheels with all-season tires and wheel covers.

It is better equipped than most hand-me-down used cars, but the SE lacks a telescoping steering column, large-screen rearview camera or a front armrest console.

You’ll get those upgrades and more in the step-up SEL for another $2,300, which includes the automatic transmission. Also included are four-wheel disc brakes (an upgrade from rear drum brakes) and alloy wheels, a 7-inch touch-screen display with six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto infotainment and dual charging USBs.

With a cabin fortified by high-strength steel, there also were improvements for more protection in small overlap crashes. Upper trim models can be optioned with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which uses radar to detect a vehicle and warn the driver of a potential collision. And if the driver does not react to the alert, the system will step in with emergency braking.

The manual transmission has good fuel-economy ratings of 28 mpg city, 37 highway and 31 mpg combined on 87 octane. The automatic is a tick better with highway and combined ratings of 38/32 mpg. I was averaging 39.6 to 43.6 mpg, but those who are easy on the accelerator could eke out more mpgs. The engine is thrifty in consumption and eager in acceleration, helped along by the low curb weight of 2,502 pounds.

The ride quality is quite smooth with good cabin soundproofing, though there is some tire noise at Interstate speeds. Steering and braking — with rear drum brakes — have consistent and balanced inputs — and most won’t know (or care) there are rear drums.

The manual transmission is easy to live with. The gear ratios are accommodating even when creeping in traffic and a hill-holding function holds the car on inclines for no-stress takeoffs.

Sightlines are wide open across the front fenders and over the shoulder. The turning circle is tight at 33.4 feet.

Interior materials are not econo-box. The fabric seats are well upholstered in sturdy and appealing material. All panels have precise alignment and there is an abundance of storage areas, which can be challenging to carve out in small cars. This one has very usable door storage, a large (non-locking) glove box, functional cup holders and an accommodating e-bin with two 12-volt plugs, a USB and audio aux-in.

Back seat space is subcompact, but workable for a young family. The bench seat is short on adult thigh support and legroom is short at 33.5 inches, but there is good entry footroom through the doors and a low hump to the exhaust tunnel for improved three-across seating.

The 13.7-cubic-foot trunk is more midsize than subcompact and the back seat folds, which is ideal for grads packing off to college.

Competitors include the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris iA, but the new Accent will be the new target to beat for its confident styling, quality materials and largesse of features.